This summer's documentary Amy tells the tragic story of Amy Winehouse, one of the most talented and inventive singers to come along this century before her sudden death at the age of 27. The documentary is especially powerful because it doesn't just focus on Winehouse's music career or her much-publicized troubles with drugs, but rather, it tries to show fans the person behind the fame, while also taking down the media machine that helped her along on the path to self-destruction. It's the type of film that stays with you, and if you haven't seen it already, then you're probably wondering when you'll be able to download it. So, when will Amy be available on iTunes?
Sooner than you might expect. You can pre-order Amy right now on Apple's digital store, and the movie will arrive on iTunes Oct. 27. Not too bad, right? But if you truly feel you can't last another day, let alone another month, without watching a documentary about a famous musician, then you're in luck. There are loads of great music documentaries available on iTunes at this very moment while you wait for Amy's arrival, and here are 10 of the more interesting choices.
Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage
The Canadian prog-rock group is somewhat of an enigma in music. A lot of people, including myself and many critics, don't see what the big deal is. But Rush is crazy successful with some of the most-dedicated fans in all of pop culture. This doc tries to explain why that is.
The U.S. Versus John Lennon
Everybody knows that John Lennon was a Beatle, but did you know that President Richard Nixon and the FBI wanted him deported for his opposition to the Vietnam War? This documentary is sure to make you see Lennon in a whole new light.
Madonna: Truth Or Dare
It's up to you to determine how much of this 1991 concert documentary of the Queen of Pop is real, since many critics think it was all staged. It's hard to argue with them given the stylish black and white cinematography and the way Madonna delivers most of her lines, but maybe Madonna's entire life was staged by this point.
Dixie Chicks: Shut Up And Sing
The Dixie Chicks were one of the biggest acts in country music — until they spoke out about President George W. Bush. They angered many of their Republican fans, and the band has never truly regained their popularity.
Michael Jackson's This Is It
This last look at Michael Jackson shows the immense talent the King of Pop possessed, as footage shows him planning and rehearsing for what would have been his new concert tour had he not died a month before it was scheduled to begin.
Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him)?
Harry Nilsson isn't actually a huge name, even though you are likely to know a few of his songs. This documentary, on the other hand, is so relentlessly interesting that you're liable to become a massive Nilsson fan after viewing.
Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey
This absolutely insane true story shows how the band Journey found their new lead singer. Arnel Pineda was singing Journey covers in the Philippines when Journey discovered him on YouTube and reached out about joining the band. A wild tale of the birth of celebrity in the 21st century.
Katy Perry: Part Of Me
Learn about Perry's über-Christian upbringing and how she used it to become a superstar while also witnessing some of the funnest concert footage of any act out there.
History Of The Eagles
This is the story of one of the greatest American bands of all time. Their famous feuds are almost as interesting in their music, and there's nothing that escapes this sprawling look at their career.
Justin Bieber: Never Say Never
Before Justin Bieber became one of America's most-hated celebrities, he was just a regular Canadian kid. This documentary shows him before he "grew up", when he was still floppy-haired and relatively innocent. I hate to say it, but it's actually kind of inspirational.
These are just a drop in the bucket, really. You could easily watch several music documentaries every day until Amy drops, but these 10 should give you a great place to start.
